The Lemon Detox Diet

PROS

The lemon detox diet, also known as the ‘Master Cleanser’ consists of consuming a low-calorie diet of water, cayenne pepper, lemon and madal bar tree syrup for up to two weeks, while avoiding the consumption of solid foods. It first came about in the 1940’s by Stanley Burroughs but became popular after the diet was published in a book by Peter Glickman. The diet aims to remove toxins and cleanse the body” (Kandola, 2019, para. 1) and encourages the elimination of food cravings such as takeaway or junk foods, sugary drinks, and coffee (Kim et al., 2015). It promotes weight loss and “facilitates toxin elemi-nation and weight loss, thereby promoting health and well-being” (Klein & Kiat, 2015, p. 675). 

The detox is a combination of Neera syrup and lemon juice. The syrup is a mixture of maple and palm tree syrups, which is intended to have high quantities of mineral elements. Thus, meaning greater amounts of vitamins and minerals than other low-calorie diets (Kim et al., 2015).

Detox Diet	Diet Plan	Purported Benefits
The Master cleanser/lemon detox diet	A 10-day programme in which all meals are replaced with a drink containing lemon juice, purified water, cayenne pepper and tree syrup. Sea salt water and a mild laxative herbal tea are also consumed	The master cleanser/lemon detox diet, Removal of toxins, weight loss, glowing skin, shiny hair and strong nails

(Klein & Kiat, 2015, p. 676)

CONS

The Lemon detox diet does show results regarding a change in weight, however there are ways that it is shown to be dangerous. The diet limits energy and nutritional consumption, and prolonged fasting can result in a decrease of protein stores, electrolyte imbalance and lactic acidosis (Klein & Kiat, 2015). It can also be dangerous for individuals with other health conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease and liver problems due to the body being restricted from energy fuels. For someone with type 1 diabetes, fasting can be dangerous as the body does not produce insulin and regulate proper glucose levels, therefore if they are not consuming enough glucose, it may cause hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose).

Because the lemon detox diet is consuming only a liquid drink for a period of days, very low energy and kilo-joules are being consumed, as well as very little vitamins and minerals. There may also be a possibility that whilst losing weight you may also be losing lean body mass, which causes the body’s metabolism to slow down, causing it to be more difficult to lose weight in the future (Leila & Kate, 2008). By consuming less calories and kilojoules for a certain period of time and then resuming a non-restricted diet can cause the body to store fats quicker, thus gaining weight faster.

HOW IS IT DONE?

Combining 1 cup of lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of madal bar, ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper and 4 cups of hot water. Drinking 2 litres a day, replacing meals with the liquid-based mixture for a up to 10 days, avoiding any solid foods.

Lemon Juice – High in Vitamin C (antioxidant)

Madal Bar – Source of sucrose (energy)

Cayenne Pepper – Contains Capsaicin (relieves and numbs pain)

THE DIET COMPARED TO THE AUSTRALIAN DIETARY GUIDELINES (ADG)

According to the Nutrition Australia an adult (aged 19-70) is supposed to consume between 5 and 6 serves of vegetables/legumes, 2 serves of fruit, 4-6 serves of grains, 2-3 serves of poultry, 2.5-4 serves of dairy or alternatives and 0-2.5 of other foods. (Nutrition Australia, n.d.). The Lemon detox diet does not meet these suggested servings as it is a liquid based diet which only contains a small amount of fruit juice and syrup. It also states within the Australian Dietary Guidelines that a wide variety of nutritional foods should be consumed, but it also says that a healthy weight should be maintained as well as the limitation of saturated fats, alcohol and added sugars. So, the Lemon Detox Diet does meet some of the Australian dietary guidelines as it does avoid added sugars, alcohol, saturated fats and does aim to increases weight loss, however it does not contain a wide variety of nutritional elements, which is needed for your body to perform to its full functional ability.

RECOMMENDATIONS ABOUT THE DIET

This diet although may show signs of weight loss is not recommended for a long period of time due to the insufficient consumption of nutrients, minerals and vitamins. This can cause a decrease in energy stores, lean body mass, protein stores, electrolyte imbalance and lactic acidosis (Klein & Kiat, 2015). In order to lose weight safely and efficiently, an alternative to this would be consuming a nutritious, balanced diet, which includes vegetables, fruit, grains, lean meats, dairy foods and plenty of fresh water and complimenting this with adequate physical activity throughout the day. 

References:

Kandola, A. (2019). What to know about the lemon detox diet. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324670.php

Kim, M. J., Hwang, J. H., Ko, H. J., Na, H. B., & Kim, J. H. (2015). Lemon detox diet reduced body fat, insulin resistance, and serum hs-CRP level without hematological changes in overweight Korean women. Nutrition Research, 35(5), 409-420. doi:10.1016/j.nutres.2015.04.001

Klein, A. V., & Kiat, H. (2015). Detox diets for toxin elimination and weight management: a critical review of the evidence. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, 28(6), 675-686. doi:10.1111/jhn.12286

Leila, M., & Kate, D. (2008). Lemon Detox Program: Reporter Kate Donnison investigates the latest in celebrity diets, the lemon detox program, a favourite of Beyonce Knowles and Angelina Jolie.

Nutrition Australia. (n.d.). Australian Dietary Guidelines: Recommended daily intakes. Retrieved from http://www.nutritionaustralia.org/national/resource/australian-dietary-guidelines-recommended-daily-intakes

Shutterstock. (2018). Lemon Detox Diet – Everything You Need To Know [Image]. Health Beckon. Retrieved from https://www.healthbeckon.com/lemon-detox-diet/